TORQUE
After arriving back at the clubhouse, I feel strange. Like I’m in some parallel fucking universe. The thought of actually working with Enzo toward a common goal is so fucking weird. I still haven’t wrapped my head around it, and I’m sure he’ll cross me given a chance. But for now, we both have a bigger threat, and we need to find out where the hell that threat is coming from.
As I stride inside the clubhouse, Trax is by my side in an instant. “You think this is a wise play? I mean… teaming up with the Andretti, of all the scumbags, Torque?”
I slap his shoulder and shake my head. “You of all people should know… that sometimes, it’s better the devil you know.”
He shakes his head with a grunt and strides off in a huff.
Sensei moves up to my side. “You think we can trust Enzo?”
I snort. “Hell fucking no. Not for a damn second. But if he can help us get information on who the fucking asshole is destroying our town, then we need him right now.”
Sensei nods. “The thing is… we may have an alliance with him now, but we can’t forget the things they stand for, Torque. The way they treat their women. The way they carry out their dealings. We need to run things our way. Never their way if we are in bed with them.”
Nodding, I clamp down on his shoulder. “I hear you, and don’t worry, just because I have Enzo on our speed dial, doesn’t mean I’m going to be including him in anything to do with us, or that I’m going to be bowing to him. Remember, I’m the president of this club, and if I don’t like some shit, he’s gonna know about it.”
“Excellent. Just keep your eyes open with him… eyes on the prize at all times.”
Nodding, I smile. “Absolutely.”
Sensei walks off.
I notice Surge watching me from the bar as he sits next to Mom, so I walk over as my cell buzzes and yank it out of my pants pocket. Looking at the screen, it’s a text message from Vibe. My body tenses wondering how the shipment’s going, and so I open the screen.
Vibe: All good. Parcel delivered. Sorry, couldn’t message sooner. Linn talks like a fucking sorority girl on heat. On our way back. Be there in 15.
Relief floods me, and I send back a simple thumbs-up and put my cell away as I pull out the stool beside Surge and rub the back of my neck. A simple tap on the bar alerts Ruby I want a beer. She smiles and starts to pour straight away.
“So, you’re all back in one piece.” Surge’s bright smile makes me feel okay about how it went.
“You have no idea how crazy this meeting went, Surge. I’ll tell you all about it, just need a beer first.”
He nods with a chuckle as Ace slips onto the stool beside me with his tablet, and I glance at him as he types away searching for something. I nod to him, and he shakes his head. “I’m not finding anything I didn’t know fucking already.” I can sense his frustration.
Sighing, I wrack my jaw from side to side and then I think of a different approach. “What about instead of trying to find who the owner of the conglomerate is… who the asshole is… we attempt to figure out who the fuck is new in town?”
Ace’s eyes light up, and he smiles wide. “Why the fuck didn’t I think of that?”
HEELEY
A Week Later
It’s officially my last working day at Fox Froyo Bar. My shifts have been minimal this past week due to working so much with Doctor Kline, and of course, studying and going to campus. But it feels weird knowing this is officially the last day I’ll be working with Ari and Xav. Having our little threesome has been some of the best times of my life and knowing I won’t have that time each night is sad, but I know I’ll make new friends. Not that Ari and Xav won’t play a major part in my life anymore, I mean no way will that happen. But I will need people like Tiny at the hospital to keep me sane.
I’m going to miss this place, I think as I wipe down the frosted-over glass while Ari and Xav mess about behind me. There are so many fond memories I’ll be leaving behind. The biggest one, of course, was meeting Torque. Having the memory of him running through the store and ‘loitering’ out the back is strangely one of my favorite memories.
Letting off a weak smile, I continue to wipe the glass while Sia’s Helium plays over the store stereo, and I listen to the words closely. The somber-toned song making my melancholy mood even sadder as I think of Torque and how it’s been fifteen long and torturous days since I walked out on him at his club. Time is dragging, and as Sia sings ‘get me out of this hell,’ I wonder if I’m being pulled through a kind of hell by forcing myself to be away from him. I never knew choosing not to be with someone you thought was bad for you could feel so utterly wrong.
Kline believes if I want to have a life with Torque, but keep everything I have now, I could have it. I need the courage to be able to face the good with the bad. And I’ve seen the bad. I was there, right in the thick of it. I can see how dangerous being associated with an MC can be.
Death.
That’s how bad it can be.
But, I’m training to combat death in some ways. Sure, there’s going to be times when not even a doctor can stop the inevitable, but I sure as hell will try everything in my power to delay the inescapable. I just have to figure out if I’m willing to be a part of something that has the inevitable flying in your face way more often than a normal, everyday, comfortable life.
If I can stand that, to be with a man I can’t get out of my mind, then maybe Torque’s worth it. Maybe I am strong enough for his type of life. Sia sings about a ‘Superwoman sometimes needing Superman’s soul,’ and the lyrics sink in deep. I consider myself a strong woman. Torque says I throw around a lot of sass. That I’m capable. That I’m tough. Maybe I can be a Superwoman for Torque.
I almost have myself convinced.
Almost.
I giggle out loud.
The bell on the door rings, and I look up seeing a sight for sore eyes. My smile grows wide as I notice Mom and Dad walking into the store. I drop the cloth, excited they came in for my last shift. I race around to the divider and yank it open making Ari and Xav pay attention as they glance to me and follow me through.
“Hey, Mom… Dad. I can’t believe you came in for my last shift.” I reach out giving them both a tight hug, and they weakly smile as I pull back, not liking the look on their faces. I slump my body wondering why they appear so down. Then I start to panic thinking they’re not going to let me quit. “Mom, what’s wrong?”
“Heeley, Xav… I think you should sit down,” Mom instructs.
I glance to Xav, and we both look at each other furrowing our brows as they lead us over to a table. Ari walks away leaving us to our family meeting.
“Mom, you’re scaring me… is one of you sick?” Xav asks, and my stomach sinks.
Oh shit!
“No. No, honey. It’s nothing like that. Harrison, can you tell them,” Mom asks Dad, and I frown so wide not liking where this is heading.
Dad clears his throat looking down at the table and not at us, which is strange in itself. Like he’s ashamed. “Some men came and saw us and put an offer on the store, and we told them it wasn’t for sale, of course. They tried to bargain with us. But we then explained what it meant to us. That it’s a family store.…” He pauses, and Mom grabs his hand in a show of support, and my stomach sinks watching them. “But then they threatened if we don’t sell to them that unfortunate things could happen…” he looks up at me, “… to you and Xavier.”
I gasp as Mom begins to cry, and I stand up and begin pacing the floor as Xav shakes his head in confusion. “This is crazy. Who are these men?” I almost yell in my outrage.
They both shake their heads. “I don’t know. They’re new in town, but they want everything.”
“You didn’t sign anything, did you?” I ask terrified.
They shake their heads, and both look to the floor. “Not yet, but we’re having the paperwork drawn up as we speak.”
A shudder runs through me, and I shake my head in utter contempt. My parents worked so hard for this place. It’s their baby, and Xav wants to make it his too. They can’t take this away from my family.
“No, this can’t happen. Don’t do anything. Just wait here.” I storm off to the back room ignoring Ari as she looks at me with eyes wide while I grunt and groan letting all my frustrations out through my feet stomping on the floor. I reach my backpack and yank out my cell with harshness and dial the number I know I need. It rings only twice before it picks up.
“Heeley?” His voice sends my heart into a crazy rhythm, and my breath catches in my throat as I clench my eyes shut to stop them from watering. I haven’t heard his voice in so long. Too long. And hearing him now is making me almost forget why I rang. “Foxy, are you okay?” Torque brings me back to the now, and I take a deep breath, opening my eyes while wiping the tears from my face. I clear my throat, “Torque…”
“I’m here.”
“I, ah… I know I haven’t spoken to you in a bit—”
“You can call me anytime, Heeley.”
A slow smile creeps across my face, and I relax a little. “Okay, but I kinda need a favor.” There’s a pause on the other end of the line, and I wonder if he’s still there. “Torque…”
“Yeah, I’m here. Sorry. What do you need? I’m always going to help you, foxy. Whatever you need.”
Taking a deep breath, I tense my jaw. “My parents just came into our store. Told me some guys are hounding them about buying their business. Said if they didn’t sell, they’d come after Xav and me.”
“They fuckin’ what?”
I giggle more out of nervousness than anything else. “That was my reaction, too, and you said if that happened, to tell you.”
I can hear him moving about, and I wonder what he’s doing. “Are you still at Fox Froyo?”
“Yeah.”
“Good. Stay there. I’ll be there soon. Don’t leave.”
Nodding, even though he can’t see me, my stomach tightens at the thought of seeing him after so long apart, and I take a steadying breath. “I’ll be here.”
“Don’t let your parents leave either.”
“Got it.”
“And Heeley…”
“Mmm...”
“It’s great to hear your voice.” The line clicks dead before I can respond, and I smile as I try to calm my fluttering stomach. I shake my hands out trying to relieve some of the tension which has built up as Ari walks into the room raising her brow.
“That sounded like it went well.”
I roll my eyes. “Don’t start.”
“All I’m saying is… he’s dropping everything to come and help you. Just think about that,” she challenges and turns walking out of the room without another word.
Sighing, I steady my shoulders and walk back out to tell Mom and Dad they’re about to meet the President of the Chicago Defiance MC, and that I kind of have a crush on him.
The roar of motorbike engines pummel down the road, and I glance out the window to see not only Torque, but Trax, Sensei, and Ace. I grit my teeth and tense my shoulders as Mom and Dad both widen their eyes at the noise.
“I thought you said only one was coming, Heeley?”
I shrug. “I thought only one was coming, but you kinda get a package deal with these guys.”
The bell rings on the door of the store, and Torque walks in, all muscles and broody confidence as he spots me. His scruffy face making my knees weak instantly as he strides over to me, his brothers flanking his sides. He looks into my eyes and half-grins. “Hey.”
Swallowing hard, I look into his deep blue eyes and almost get lost in them. All I want to do is jump into his arms and have him whisk me away somewhere so we can get lost in each other.
Wait!
Why is he here again?
Shit!
Focus Heeley.
“Hi.”
“Jesus, do you two want to stop making come-hither eyes at each other and go out the back and bone already, so then we can get on with what’s really at stake here?” Trax calls out, and I open my eyes wide breaking free from Torque’s eyes in a fit of embarrassment.
Mom gasps, and Dad lets out a small chuckle.
“Shit,” I murmur sliding into the seat next to Dad as Torque stares at Trax giving him an almighty death glare.
“Okay, so Heeley filled me in on what happened. What I want to know is… everything you two know about the people who offered to buy the business from you. Who were they? What did they look like? What were their names? Anything you can give us will be beneficial.”
Dad nods and offers Torque to take a seat, and he sits down next to me. His thigh rubbing right up against mine as he looks at Dad trying to ignore me.
“Okay sure. So the men who approached us, I can’t remember their name to be honest… it’s hard to pronounce.”
Torque nods. “Why? Because of ethnicity?”
Mum nods. “Yes. They were Asian. But I’m not sure what part of Asia they were from. Their English was excellent, though.”
Ace nods typing away on his device.
“Okay, that helps. A lot. Thank you, Mrs. Fox.” Torque’s voice oozes chivalry so much it makes me almost giggle.
“Okay, I have something,” Ace calls out stepping up beside me and bringing the tablet down for me to see. “See this...” he points to a line of names on a list, “… his name keeps popping up under new arrivals in the city. There’s a few Asians, but this one is the one that keeps on flagging… Ishikawa.”
Sensei moves awkwardly, gaining all of our attention, and he swallows hard as he hears the name. “That’s Japanese.”
I furrow my brows. “Is that meant to mean something?”
Sensei shakes his head like he’s thinking hard, his eyebrows are pulled together, but he says nothing more as Torque looks from Sensei back to my dad.
“Look, don’t sign anything. I’ll make sure Heeley, Xav, and you guys are protected. I’ll have a prospect placed at your home and go with you anywhere you need. You can mark my words, we’ll get this town back from this Ishikawa, no matter what.”
“Thank you, Torque. We appreciate you helping us,” Dad offers, and Torque nods.
Dad and Mom smile as Torque stands up and goes to move off. So I stand up too and rush to his side, grabbing his hands to make him face me. His brothers all walk away giving us a moment alone. As I look into his eyes, he grips his hands in mine so tight that the energy in the room skyrockets. I feel like I never want him to leave.
What the hell was I thinking?
Why the hell was I staying away from him?
I can’t find a reason anymore.
Sure, there’s danger when he’s around, but one thing I know for sure, he would do anything in his power to protect me.
“Fuck it.” I lean up on my toes, grabbing the back of his head, and force his lips to mine in front of everyone. He’s shocked for a moment but soon surrenders to the kiss. Opening my mouth, I let his tongue in, and he kisses me with need, with passion, and like we’ve been separated for years not a couple of weeks. I feel the energy flowing from him, and I wonder how I could have ever have denied myself this chance with him.
I can’t. Not anymore.
Fuck the risks.
He’s worth every single one.
A wolf whistle reverberates through the store, and it makes me giggle into his mouth as I slowly pull back and press my forehead to his. My chest heaves panting for breath as I look into his eyes. His are hooded and full of lust as he stares back into mine.
“I’ve needed that for so fuckin’ long. You kill me, foxy.”
I shake my head against his. “I’m so sorry. I needed time to wrap my head around everything. But in the wise words of Sia… even ‘Superwoman sometimes needed Superman’s soul.’”
Torque smirks. “Umm… what?”
I giggle. “In this scenario, I’m Superwoman, and I need my Superman’s soul to function. Without you, I don’t work. I’m just so annoyed at myself that it took me so damn long to figure that out.”
His arms wrap tighter around me, and he holds me to him. “You think you can handle the carnage and chaos while being a doctor?”
“I had some help with that, too. Doctor Kline showed me the right path. I can do this, Torque. If you still want me?”
He lifts me at my waist and spins me around making me squeal out loud as everyone around us chuckles. I slap his shoulder, and he slides me down his body as I laugh at him. “Hell, yeah, foxy. I’ll always want you.” He leans in kissing me again before a round of booing echoes through the store, and I giggle as napkins and straws are thrown at us making me burst into laughter.
Torque pulls back and looks at his brothers. “Clean this mess up, idiots,” he calls out, and they all continue to chuckle but move in doing as they’re told.
Mom and Dad smile at Torque and me.
“There’s some shit I have to do at the clubhouse, but I’m gonna come by yours after that. But right now, I have some Ishikawa to find.”
Nodding, I run my hands down his chest and sigh. “Please don’t get hurt. I’ve only just gotten you back.”
He smiles wide and nods. “I’ll be at your place tonight…” he leans into my ear so no-one can hear him but me, “… and baby, don’t be wearing anything when I come home.” He pulls back, and I raise my brow at him and pull my lips in by my teeth to hide my arousal at his words. He chuckles leaning in and planting a chaste kiss on my cheek as he lets me go and turns with a swift whistle. “C’mon brothers, we have work to do.”
They walk out leaving the place exactly as they found it, neat and tidy, and I smile watching Torque’s ass fade into the distance.
Letting out a sigh, I slump into the seat next to Dad. “Heeley… do I need to run through the protocols of safe sex with you?”
My cheeks flush red hot, and I gasp out loud as Xav and Ari laugh rather loudly.
Oh. My. God! Can parents be any more embarrassing?